Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language (Certificate NDP)

As English has become the world's premier international language, English teachers are in demand all over the world. Most in demand are college graduates with degrees in English, Linguistics, or other humanities or social sciences, with additional preparation in the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).

The University of Arizona English Applied Linguistics Program in the English Department offers a 15 credit hour, five course Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language Research and Practice. The certificate can be completed in two or three semesters on campus, or in five 7-week sessions online (10 months), run through UA Online (http://uaonline.arizona.edu/program/teaching-english-secondforeign-language-cert).  

Admission requirements are a completed Bachelor's Degree with a final GPA of 3.0/4.0, a one-page statement of purpose addressing reasons for pursuing the certificate, and for international students (non-native speakers of English), either an IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL score of 80.

The certificate requires 15 credit hours, comprised of 1) Linguistics and Grammar for TESOL (English 506) 2) Culture for TESL (English 620), 3) Introduction to TESOL Methods (English 555), 4) Advanced Methods for TESOL (English 613), and 5) an elective focusing on Technology and English Teaching (English 589),  Second Language Writing, or Second Language Learning Research. Of the electives, only Technology and English Teaching is available online. Course descriptions are on the website. (http://english.arizona.edu/gradcertintesl).

All five courses (15 credits) are accredited graduate courses and will transfer to the UA MATESL (http://english.arizona.edu/matesl) and other degrees at UA or other universities. Admission to the MATESL is separate, but students who complete the Certificate with a GPA of 3.5/4.0 will receive preferential consideration for admission to the MA.

Prospective students interested in learning more should visit the website (http://english.arizona.edu/gradcertintesl), which offers answers to frequently asked questions. Additional questions can be directed to Program Administrative Assistant Marcia Simon ([email protected]) or Program Director Associate Professor Jonathon Reinhardt ([email protected]).

Please see the website for more information:  https://english.arizona.edu/graduate-certificate-teaching-english-secondforeign-language

• International applicants to Arizona Online campus, Global Direct campus, or a Global Microcampus should choose the Distance Learner (DL) visa type in their Application Profile.
• International applicants to the Main campus must currently hold a US visa that permits incidental study. 
• Please verify your visa eligibility with International Student Services before applying.  The application fee is non-refundable and will not be refunded if your visa status is not eligible.  
• Applicants must meet all Graduate College minimum admission requirements, including English proficiency.
• Applicants should be prepared to submit copies of their visa documents, additional transcripts, or degree documentation if requested.
• University of Arizona regulations require that all international students on non-immigrant visas carry the University of Arizona student health insurance plan.